Welcome

Teaching and Learning

“Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe.”

– Sir Anthony Seldon

ISD 728 is a partnership of students, families, staff, and community committed to educating, inspiring, and empowering our diverse learners. The Teaching and Learning Department collaborates with all members of this partnership to ensure all learners have the knowledge and skills needed to shape their futures, accomplish their dreams, and contribute positively to their local and global communities. Together, we support all aspects of teaching and learning:

Developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum.
Implementing the use of effective instructional strategies.
Meeting the needs of all learners.
Involving the community in shaping educational programs.
Providing professional development for teachers.
Embedding opportunities for career exploration, planning, and development.
Preparing all students for post-secondary education/training.
Promoting practices that assure equity and achievement for all.

Curriculum Adoption

How often does the Minnesota Department of Education conduct a curriculum review cycle?

The Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards are reviewed and revised on a 10-year cycle. The review and revision process for each content area is staggered, based on a schedule approved by the Minnesota Legislature. After revisions are made to each content area, the standards go through a rulemaking process during which the implementation year is set. Also, after revisions are made to the English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science standards, the corresponding Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA / State Exam) and Alternate MCA are developed.

When the Minnesota Department of Education reviews and updates curriculum, how often can parents and the public provide input?

When the Minnesota Department of Education adopts state standards for all public schools, how long do school districts have to implement them? Can public school districts adopt portions of the State Standards or do they need to adopt all of the standards?

Once Minnesota State Standards are adopted, school districts typically have five (5) years to implement the new standards. The table below shows the most current reviews and the implementation year. Public school districts adopt the Minnesota State Standards in their entirety. School districts are not able to opt out of Minnesota State Standards. The exception to this would be content areas in which Minnesota State Standards do not exist. For example, there are no Minnesota State Standards for Health. Therefore, school districts, including ISD 728, typically utilize the national Health standards.

Content Area	Recents Reviews	Implementation Year	Assessing Student Learning
Physical Education	2016–17	2023–24* Physical Education Standards Implementation resources	Locally developed classroom assessment of student learning; district common assessments possible.
Arts	2017–18	2023–24* Arts Standards Implementation resources	Locally developed classroom assessment of student learning; district common assessments possible.
Science	2018–19	2024–25* Science Standards Implementation resources	Locally developed classroom assessment of student learning; district common assessments possible; statewide MCA-IV and Alternate MCA-IV in spring of implementation year.
English Language Arts (ELA)	2019–20	2025–26 (proposed) Currently in Rulemaking	Locally developed classroom assessment of student learning; district common assessments possible; statewide MCA-IV and Alternate MCA-IV in spring of implementation year.
Social Studies	2020–21	2026–27 (anticipated) Currently in Rulemaking	Locally developed classroom assessment of student learning; District common assessments possible; Civics Test Questions delivered by district.

* Delayed by Minnesota Legislature or rulemaking in 2021

Source: Minnesota Department of Education

ISD 728 has a Teaching and Learning team, but does it also have a curriculum review team as well? How does it function?

Once new Minnesota State Standards are adopted, a Curriculum Review Team is established for that content area. The Curriculum Review Team reviews the recently adopted standards and selects instructional resources that align with the new standards. Parents are given the opportunity to review materials and give input for each of our curriculum reviews. In addition to selecting resources to teach the new standards, best instructional practices are evaluated and a training plan for staff is developed. ISD 728 has made parent involvement in the process a major component and allows all parents to be involved before curriculum is adopted. For example and during the 2021-2022 school year, families had the opportunity to review and provide input about the new science and world language materials from home and online prior to the District’s adoption and implementation. An overview of the ISD 728 Curriculum Review Team process can be found here.

CONTACT US

Jamie Nord
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services - Elementary
(763) 241-3400
jamie.nord@isd728.org

Kari Rock
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services - Secondary
(763) 241-3400
kari.rock@isd728.org

Kelly Corbett
Director of Teaching & Learning
(763) 241-3400 x1205
kelly.corbett@isd728.org

Gretchen Fisher
Learning & Achievement Coordinator
(763) 241-3400 x1283
gretchen.fisher@isd728.org

Kristen Chryst
Learning & Achievement Coordinator
(763) 241-3400 x 1236
kristen.chryst@isd728.org

Rachel Drapeau
Curriculum Specialist
(763) 241-3400 x 5006
rachel.drapeau@isd728.org

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